It's Not What It Used to Be

It’s Not What It Used to Be

Bill Brinkworth

I was saved over 40 years ago. God has wrought much change in my life because of the Holy Spirit’s work and godly influences from devoted preachers, teachers, other Christians, and my study. Although I can see how He has altered my life, I can also see the changes in Christianity around me. Many strong believers and ministries still exist and are doing great things for the Lord; unfortunately, many are not.

Some changes I have noticed are:

There is little questioning of what Bible version is used. In the past, the KJV was the only one used and believed. Now, it is often pushed aside, and the “newer,” inaccurate, unpreserved versions are accepted. When the foundation of truth, God’s preserved King James Bible for English-speaking believers, is not read and obeyed, Christianity will crumble as is happening.
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8 Also: I Peter 1:25.
Separation from worldly behavior, which the Bible condones, is often seen as “extreme.” Worldliness is not realized as a danger to spiritual growth and is not avoided. Observing many Christians in their daily activities shows they are not much different from the unsaved.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” II Cor 6:17 Also: Isa. 52:11, II Cor. 7:1.
Sins, which ten years ago would have horrified faithful believers, now are accepted and even practiced by some Christians. A biased media, liberal government education, and watered-down preaching have desensitized believers to sin and helped erase embarrassment and guilt from their iniquities. Many now do not even raise an eyebrow to sin around them.
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isa. 5:20
Few have little concern about living a holy life. Many neglect to keep their “temple” from sin and even its appearance (I Thes. 5:22). Conviction of halting unclean habits, practices, or beliefs is not common.
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” I Peter 1:16
Living by faith is foreign to many. Trusting God to supply has been replaced by spending credit or allowing the government to meet the need. Giving sacrificially is also rarer than it was in the past.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Heb, 11:6
Standing up for righteousness, no matter the personal cost, is uncommon. In the past, countless Christians lost their lives rather than tolerate or approve wrong-doing when they spoke against transgressions.
“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;” Eph 6:14
Many Christians avoided movies, television programs, literature, alcohol, public activities, and other influences known to weaken beliefs and threaten holy living. There is now less separation from ungodly behavior.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” II Cor. 6:17
Many ministries and believers saw the danger of public education encouraging young people to do and think contrary to what the Bible commands. To remedy that influence, Christians sacrificed to start and run Christian schools. Salaries were often non-existent or lower than minimum wage, but the minds of young people were deemed more important.

As the government attempted to stop the ministries, many churches were fined and legally challenged. Some pastors and principals suffered jail time.

Today the sacrifices of earlier believers and their discernment not to pollute young minds with godless, social engineering, and eroding of Christian values are ignored. Little concern is exhibited in insulating student’s minds from worldly propaganda. The “I teach my child what is right” and “My child is strong and will not be swayed by what is taught in the government schools” seem to be the common defense. Unfortunately, worldly philosophies are overpowering the minds of Christianity’s next generation.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6
Immoral leadership was never allowed. Those inspiring for a position in government and business had their hopes shattered when it was discovered they were involved in dishonesty, adultery, foul language, financial impropriety, and other involvements showing they had low character and morals.

Today some officials and workers have been discovered to be morally corrupt yet are still allowed to continue their position. Often this happens because the public is not made aware of their sin, or people are not concerned about the wrong-doing.
“… 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh…” Proverbs 1:24-27
Boycotting businesses and relationships that encourage or are for things God condones is rare.
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I Thes. 5:22

I am sure every previous generation of believers has also seen the erosion of Christian beliefs, morals, and biblical living during their lifetime. Unfortunately, spiritual decay happens more often than knowing, believing, and living the way God commands.

The spiritual decline will continue at break-neck speed if individual Christians do not stop the trend. We must make a stand to live how God commands. Personal revival and determination for a God-honoring and God-obeying life can change the downward spiritual trend. It must start with us Christians! The world is constantly changing, but God’s commandments do not. We do not have to believe or do what the unsaved world does!